LOCAL NEWS | JULY 9, 2019

High-speed Internet (broadband) is one step closer to reality for three counties with a $300,000 state budget allocation. SEDA-COG is partnering with Internet service providers to make quality, affordable broadband available to businesses and residents in Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry Counties. A low-interest-rate loan will help address the lack of rural broadband infrastructure in the three counties. An inventory of vertical assets is already underway. Upon completion, the counties will identify one area for the pilot project. Internet Service Providers will analyze current needs, and design the needed infrastructure. Funding for the project was made possible through the efforts of State Senator Jake Corman (R-34), and State Representatives John Hershey (R-Juniata/Mifflin/Franklin) and Garth Everett (R-Lycoming/Union), with support from other legislators.

PennDOT says crews are implementing a closure of the left (passing) lane on Route 22 westbound between Millerstown and Thompsontown this week. The closure will be will be removed by noon on Friday (July 12th). Later this week, workers will place a detour on a Huntingdon County roadway. On Thursday (July 11th), the contractor will place a daylight detour, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Route 1011 (Murry Run Road). The 12-mile detour will follow Route 26 (Standing Stone Road) to Route 1001 (Stone Creek Ridge Road), and is expected to be in place for approximately two weeks.

Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) will again provide expanded Blue Loop service during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Wednesday (July 10th), through Sunday (July 14th). The Blue Loop service provides fare-free continuous, fully-accessible transportation between the perimeter parking areas near Beaver Stadium (Stadium West and Jordan East lots) and festival activities in Downtown State College and on the Penn State Campus. Additional information can be found on CATA’s website at www.catabus.com or by contacting the Customer Service Center at 814-238-CATA (2282).